How to train your dog to sleep in its bed
As any seasoned dog owner can tell a first timer, dogs thrive off of routine. This is part of the reason why
dog beds are so important for our beloved pets so that they can be comfortable every night and know where to go when the lights go out. Dogs are only disruptive without order, so if you want a good pooch you better have a place for him to lay his or her head. Not to mention, who needs to fight for Fido for bed space when you've had a long day of your own?
The steps to training a dog to sleep in his bed are simple but require time and patience as all things related to dog-training do. If you follow these four steps consistently, your four-legged friend will be snoozing happily at home in no time.
First of all, dogs have a natural instinct to nest, meaning in the wild they only sleep in warm and dry places. A dog would never go to the bathroom around the place he sleeps, so keep the bed away from the doggy door or the slider to the backyard.
Dogs also quite attuned to scent. They follow the scent of their owners and feel accustomed to it. When your dog is first getting used to his bed, be sure to rub your hands over it, along with anyone else in your family, to impart your scent over his bed. This will make him feel safe and at ease. In difficult cases, go ahead and throw a dirty t-shirt over the side to make the scent that much more obvious.
Next, lure him into the bed with toys. He or she may not go for it at first, but that is not a problem. This is training. Pat the bed and pet your dog, and keep leaving toys there. Your dog will get the hold of it soon and again feel welcomed there.
Now is the most repetitive part. Keep repeating the prior steps. Now, make sure you dog enters the bed. If he or she does not, lift the dog into the bed and then settled beside it. Pet your dog and praise it. If he or she refuses to stay, fine. This may take a few tries. Be sure to reward your dogs gradual staying with affection, praise, and the occasional treat.
Lastly, once you have been through the last two steps a few times, start to get more firm. Insist firmly but lovingly that your dog lay down. Press lightly on his or her hind quarters once it has made its way to the bed. Pet your dog, praise it, and after he or she has lain in bed for a few minutes, walk away. He or she may or may not remain in bed. But that is okay. This your dog is almost there. Reward accordingly for progress with praise, petting, and every now and then, a treat.
Remember: training a dog to do anything takes time. If you are going to be successful, you must be consistent. If you are going to be consistent, you must be patient. Your dog will get the hang of it eventually. Every breed is different, let alone every dog, so stick with it no matter what. Do not overdo it on the treats because you will want your word, which will always be there, to have sway, not a tasty morsel that is oh so temporary.
If you can, have fun with it. Training is one of the most challenging yet rewards parts to being a dog owner. And when you are in bed warm and cozy, so will rover lay curled in a ball making his just the same way.
